Meetings

10am, Friday, July 11 | Download hearing notice | View legislation ]
Public Hearings: Committee on Public Works and the Environment
Room 123, John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Councilmember Jim Graham, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works and the Environment which has oversight over ABRA, is holding a hearing on Bill 17-799, the “Ward 2 Targeted Single Sales Moratorium Act of 2008.”

Bill 17-799 would proscribe the sales of single containers of beer, malt liquor, or ale by off-premises retailers located in Advisory Neighbourhood Commissions 2C and 2F of Ward 2.

The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Those who wish to testify should contact Mr. Marcus Goodwin at (202) 724-8195 before 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2008. Witnesses should bring 16 copies of their testimony to the hearing. Individuals will be permitted 3 minutes for oral presentation; individuals representing organizations or groups, 5 minutes.

If you are unable to testify at the public hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to Mr. Marcus Goodwin, Committee on Public Works and the Environment, Room 116, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20004, by close of business Friday, July 11, 2008.

Update from ANC2C01 Commissioner Alexander M Padro:

For years, constituents have asked me what they could do to reduce the number of people on Shaw's streets drinking and urinating in public, threatening the public and their own safety in an inebriated state, and disposing of and smashing bottles on our sidewalks, in treeboxes, and parks. At long last, there is something the public can do to help control these activities.

Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans has introduced Bill 17-799, the “Ward 2 Targeted Single Sales Moratorium Act of 2008." After consulting with Ward 2 ANCs, Evans has moved forward to try to legislatively restrict the sale of single bottles of beer, malt liquor, and ale under 70 ounces for off-premises consumption within the boundaries of ANC 2C and ANC 2F. ANC 2C has unanimously endorsed the bill.

The bill makes exceptions for those retailers who enter into a voluntary agreement with the affected ANC regarding the sale of singles. This bill does not affect sales of small bottles of hard liquor, such as vodka, which are also common in our neighborhood, but would be an important first step in controlling the large number of alcohol bottles that are deposited on our streets on a daily basis, as well as reducing other negative impacts of public drinking.